Feeling pain in the knee and wondering if this is something to worry about? Although knee pain can cause a hindrance in your daily life, it is also more common than you think. In fact, an article by AsiaOne reported that 50% of Singaporeans have previously suffered from or are currently experiencing chronic knee pain and 73% are at risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
While knee pain is part and parcel of life especially as we age and if we are physically active, it is also important to seek treatment early to prevent your condition from worsening.
Here is everything you need to know about knee pain treatment in Singapore, including the causes and symptoms of knee pain. Read on to find out more.
What causes knee pain?
Our knee is a complex joint that supports us in everyday activities ranging from simple walking to more challenging tasks such as running and jumping. At the same time, the knee joint is susceptible to injuries and degeneration that will subsequently result in pain and may even cause swelling and a reduced range of motion.
The two main causes of knee pain are:
1. Injury
Common knee injuries include an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear most often seen in athletes in sports that require changing direction rapidly; posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury from suffering a blow to the front of the knee; collateral ligament injury that pushes the knee sideways; meniscal tear that occurs when twisting, cutting, pivoting or being tackled; tendon tear caused by an overstretch or fall; fracture from trauma like car accidents or sports injuries; and dislocation where the bones are out of place.
2. Arthritis
Arthritis occurs when there is inflammation in the joint and is a condition that is seen most commonly in those aged 50 and above, although younger people can develop the condition too. The three major types of arthritis that cause knee pain are osteoarthritis in which the cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away; rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic disease that attacks multiple joints in the body; and post-traumatic arthritis that develops after an injury to the knee.
What are some other symptoms?
Apart from knee pain, you may also experience additional symptoms that are tell-tale signs you need to seek treatment as soon as possible. They include swelling, popping and locking sensation in the knee joint, inability to bear weight, inability to straighten the leg and a reduced or loss of range of motion.
What are the knee pain treatments available in Singapore?
Knee pain treatments include conservative options and surgical methods. However, not every case requires surgery as this depends on the severity of your condition.
We recommend visiting a sports injury specialist for an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment.
Here at Thomson Wellth Clinic, a sports injury clinic in Singapore, we provide a range of minimally invasive knee pain treatments to help you get back to doing what you love. They include laser treatments to reduce inflammation and swelling while helping injured tissues to regenerate; platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to speed up the wound healing process; and INDIBA® Active Cell Therapy, a unique treatment using radiofrequency energy to reduce pain and accelerate healing.
We also offer other non-invasive treatment options such as weight management and exercise prescriptions and nutrition consultations, to help one achieve a healthy and desirable weight for mobility and agility.